By Michael Martin, EAA 1047599
Art is a truly subjective topic that can completely elude some, while simultaneously embraced by others. Great art is highly abstract, possessing mythical powers. Through colours, lines, shapes, light, shadows, and patterns, great works of art attain a particular transitory power that seems to stem from magical realms.
With this concept of art now framed, we turn to the stunning artwork created by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) annually for the CAF CF-18 Demonstration Team. Every season, the RCAF paints their CF-18 aircraft with some of the most vibrant and exciting graphics, evoking deep emotions and formulating important symbols for all Canadians to appreciate and respect as important depictions of our military, its people, and our flawless country. The artwork on these aircraft serves as a powerful visual representation of the RCAF’s heritage, values, and commitment to excellence, making each demonstration a memorable and inspiring experience for audiences.
The Royal Canadian Air Force Centennial on April 1, 2024, marked a significant milestone, celebrating 100 years of service as a distinct military entity. This anniversary is an opportunity to honour the RCAF’s rich legacy, acknowledge the contributions of its personnel, and look forward to its promising future. The CF-18 Demo Team is playing a key role in this celebration, representing Canada and the RCAF in 19 air demonstrations across Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom during the 2024 season.
Most notably, the CF-18 Demo Team performed at EAA AirVenture during the last week of July 2024. The team was a part of the marquee showcase presented for Canada’s military centenary at this prestigious aviation event. It highlighted our country’s significant contribution to keeping Canadians safe, while promoting the well-being of others during the pursuit of peace for the world. Ultimately, the RCAF is here to serve the best interests of Canada and her citizens.
In preparation for the 2024 season, the RCAF held a design competition that invited submissions from team members across the force. The winning design was submitted by Master Corporal (MCpl) Kevin Kelly from the 10 Field Technical Training Squadron (FTTS) at 3 Wing Bagotville, QC. Kelly, originally from Quebec City, QC, joined the Canadian Armed Forces as a reservist with the Voltigeurs de Québec at the age of 16. He transferred to the regular force in 2006 as an avionics system technician and is currently working with Training and Standards at 10 FTTS.
The winning design, painted by a skilled team of aviation structures technicians at 1 Air Maintenance Squadron, 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta, features a unique commemorative full-colour, full-body paint job. This design focuses on four key themes: Innovation and Technology, Air Power, Our People, and the RCAF’s Distinguished Heritage and History.
The 2024 RCAF Centennial Design Details
Innovation and Technology
– Design Elements:
– Futuristic and modern motif of the RCAF logo on each wing.
– Gears, electronic circuits, and a binary pattern along the back and between the tails.
– Symbolism: Represents the technology essential for RCAF aircraft to fly and accomplish missions.
– Binary Code: When decoded, the binary numbers read “RCAF 2024” and “ARC 2024.”
Air Power
– Design Elements:
– Silhouettes of various aircraft from the RCAF’s fleet on the outside of the port (left) vertical stabilizer.
– Aircraft Represented:
– Fighter Force: CF-18 Hornet.
– Maritime Aviation: CH-148 Cyclone.
– Search and Rescue: CC-130 Hercules and CH-146 Griffon.
– Tactical Airlift and Transportation: CC-177 Globemaster III and CC-130 Hercules.
– Community Outreach: CT-114 Tutor.
Our People
– Design Elements:
– Silhouettes of a non-commissioned member, an officer, and a pilot on the outside of the starboard (right) vertical stabilizer.
– Symbolism: Reinforces the RCAF’s inclusive approach, with generic silhouettes allowing viewers to envision individuals of any gender and nationality.
Heritage and History
– Design Elements:
– Silhouettes of key aircraft from the RCAF’s history on the starboard vertical stabilizer.
– Aircraft Represented:
– CF-100 Canuck: An all-Canadian designed and built interceptor-fighter.
– CF-86 Sabre: Served as both front-line fighter and air display aircraft with the Golden Hawks.
– C-5 North Star: Used for supporting troops overseas and delivering humanitarian aid from 1949 to 1963.
– Avro Lancaster: Served as a wartime bomber and post-war search and rescue, maritime patrol, aerial photography, and arctic patrol aircraft.
The unique and vibrant paint schemes represent Canadian pride and the identity of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). They symbolize the strength, heritage, and values of the RCAF, making them a source of national pride.
